View Vacancy - Vice Consul - British Consulate General in Sao Paulo

Main purpose of job

The successful applicant will lead day-to-day consular operations at the British Consulate General in Sao Paulo managing one Pro-Consul and supervising two Honorary Consuls in Manaus and Porto Alegre and colleagues undertaking consular work in Brasilia.  Working in partnership with the Vice Consul (VC) at the British Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro, the job holder will ensure the provision of high quality consular support to British nationals living, working and travelling in Brazil.  They will manage and deliver a targeted prevention programme to improve the information available to British nationals before and during their time in Brazil with the aim of reducing preventable incidents requiring assistance from the Consulate.  The VC is also responsible for consular aspects of crisis preparation.

The role involves interaction with the public, with local, regional and UK authorities, with colleagues across the consular network in Brazil, the Americas and London, and with external stakeholders such as airlines and hospitals.

The Vice Consul reports to the Consular Regional Operations Manager (CROM) based in Rio de Janeiro.

What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

• Manage the provision of consular assistance in accordance with current guidelines and policies.  This is likely to include, but not limited to, visiting British nationals in hospital or in prison (after a security assessment), providing support to family members including following bereavement, in missing person case or a child abduction, providing advice and assistance following a rape or sexual assault or robbery, and supporting customers with mental health issues. 
• Oversee casework for Sao Paulo ensuring service delivery and case management fully meet expected service standards and audit requirements and are in line with Consular Strategy and Guidance.  Monitor team’s performance and review feedback, including resolving customer concerns.
• Proactively review casework, flagging up complex and/or high profile cases and casework trends to CROM and senior stakeholders at Post.
• Liaising with the VC Rio de Janeiro and, working with political, communications and other internal teams, design, cost, implement and evaluate an effective prevention strategy to tackle trends or risk areas identified.
• Maintain close and proactive dialogue with CROM on policy matters.  Represent Sao Paulo Consular section at internal meetings.
• Together with VC Rio de Janeiro, bid for and manage the consular budget for Brazil ensuing that resources are accurately profiled, used effectively and in accordance with published guidance achieving value for money.
• Maintain close links with local authorities including, but not limited to, law enforcement, correctional facilities, medical examiners, hospitals, morgues and mental health facilities.  In consultation with the CROM, undertake outreach visits to different areas of Brazil to build and maintain contact network.
• Liaise with Brazilian authorities, members of the public and their legal representatives, airlines, tour operators, hotels and British Government Departments in order to achieve strategic goals.
• Represent the British government at consular related events, including some public speaking duties.
• Ensure the Honorary Consuls, Consular Agents and other colleagues occasionally conducting consular work are properly trained and supported to deliver appropriate and timely assistance.
• Work with consular colleagues in the Americas network contributing to discussions to help shape the development and application of consular strategy and policy and to share best practice.
• Exceptionally, participate in call-out arrangements for emergency cases out of hours when our Global Response Centre in London requests additional support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Staff: One Pro-Consul (A2L), supervision of two Honorary Consuls in Manaus and Porto Alegre.

Budget: Shared responsibility with VC Rio; budget for travel and for prevention work.

Essential on arrival:

• A strong team player with previous management experience is essential for this position.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience (to include working with the public, and staff management skills). 
• A relevant Bachelor's Degree, or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to communicate at all levels.
• Proven ability to demonstrate initiative and determination.
• The ability to work efficiently, accurately and calmly under pressure.
• Proven ability to prioritise, effectively manage and carry out multiple tasks.
• Ability to handle personal issues/information and deal with staff and clients in a friendly, sensitive and inclusive manner (professional support will be offered).
• Consular work can be demanding.  The successful candidate must have a high degree of personal resilience and empathy.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• The successful candidate must also be available to attend a 1 week training course in the UK within the first 3-6 months of employment. 
• Excellent level of English and Portuguese (written and spoken).